- Must visit
MASI Lugano - LAC
Lugano’s leading art museum inside the LAC cultural center, with modern and contemporary exhibitions and a strong program of temporary shows.
Cheapest price
$100
Average price
$114
Fastest journey
4 h 18 m
Average duration
4 h 20 m
Trains per day
12
Distance
187 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Lausanne to Lugano is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Lausanne to Lugano will cost around $114 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $100.
It's difficult to get from Lausanne to Lugano without transferring at least once.
IR 15 2521 | 2521 · IR 26 2327 | 2327 · IC 2 877 | 877
IR 15 2521 | 2521 · IR 26 2327 | 2327 · IC 2 877 | 877 · B 2 2205 | 2205
IC 5 527 | 527 · IC 2 881 | 881
IC 5 527 | 527 · IC 2 881 | 881 · B 2 2253 | 2253
IC 5 525 | 525 · IC 2 1479 | 1479
IR 15 2521 | 2521 · IR 26 2327 | 2327 · IC 2 877 | 877
IR 15 2523 | 2523 · EC 173 | 173
IR 15 2525 | 2525 · IR 26 2331 | 2331 · IC 2 881 | 881
IC 5 523 | 523 · IC 2 877 | 877
IC 5 527 | 527 · IC 2 881 | 881Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Lausanne to Lugano among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $73. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 19m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $73, and a train costs an average of $73.
Distance: 116 miles (187 km)
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
$116 Average price Cheapest | $116 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 49m Average total duration Fastest 4h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 31m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Other travel options to Lugano take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 25m.
The journey is about 12m faster (4h 19m by train vs 4h 31m by car) and roughly $0.60 (€0.49) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($116 (€95) vs $116 (€95)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Lausanne to Lugano trains for today, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 5 511 | 511 · IC 2 865 | 865 | 6:34 AM Lausanne station | 4h24 | 10:58 AM Lugano, Stazione | 1 transfer | |
IC 5 511 | 511 · IC 2 865 | 865 · B 2 2101 | 2101 | 6:34 AM Lausanne station | 4h39 | 11:13 AM Lugano | 2 transfers | |
IC 5 511 | 511 · IC 2 865 | 865 · RE 80 25517 | 25517 · B 1 1107 | 1107 | 6:34 AM Lausanne station | 4h40 | 11:14 AM Lugano | 3 transfers | |
IR 15 2509 | 2509 · IR 26 2315 | 2315 · IC 2 865 | 865 · RE 80 25517 | 25517 | 6:40 AM Lausanne station | 4h34 | 11:14 AM Lugano | 4 transfers | |
IR 15 2509 | 2509 · IR 26 2315 | 2315 · IC 2 865 | 865 · B 2 2101 | 2101 | 6:40 AM Lausanne station | 4h33 | 11:13 AM Lugano | 3 transfers | |
IR 15 2509 | 2509 · IR 26 2315 | 2315 · IC 2 865 | 865 | 6:40 AM Lausanne station | 4h18 | 10:58 AM Lugano, Stazione | 2 transfers | |
IC 5 513 | 513 · IC 21 667 | 667 | 7:34 AM Lausanne station | 4h24 | 11:58 AM Lugano, Stazione | 1 transfer | |
IC 5 513 | 513 · IC 21 667 | 667 · RE 80 25519 | 25519 · B 1 1127 | 1127 | 7:34 AM Lausanne station | 4h40 | 12:14 PM Lugano | 3 transfers | |
IR 15 2511 | 2511 · IC 21 667 | 667 | 7:40 AM Lausanne station | 4h18 | 11:58 AM Lugano, Stazione | 1 transfer | |
IR 15 2511 | 2511 · IC 21 667 | 667 · B 2 2117 | 2117 | 7:40 AM Lausanne station | 4h33 | 12:13 PM Lugano | 2 transfers | |
IR 15 2511 | 2511 · IC 21 667 | 667 · RE 80 25519 | 25519 · B 1 1127 | 1127 | 7:40 AM Lausanne station | 4h34 | 12:14 PM Lugano | 3 transfers | |
IC 5 515 | 515 · IC 2 869 | 869 | 8:34 AM Lausanne station | 4h24 | 12:58 PM Lugano, Stazione | 1 transfer | |
IR 15 2513 | 2513 · IR 26 2319 | 2319 · IC 2 869 | 869 | 8:40 AM Lausanne station | 4h18 | 12:58 PM Lugano, Stazione | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Trains from Lausanne to Lugano run on average 16 times per day, taking around 4h 19m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $73 (€59) if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 23:44. The fastest train covers the 116 miles (187 km) distance in 4h 18m.
Distance 116 miles (187 km) |
Average train duration 4h 19m |
Cheapest ticket price $73 (€59) |
Trains per day 16 |
Fastest train 4h 18m |
First train 12:04 AM |
Last train 11:44 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 5 days |
Discover the best of Lugano — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Lugano trip today.
Lugano’s leading art museum inside the LAC cultural center, with modern and contemporary exhibitions and a strong program of temporary shows.
Historic branch of MASI in the old town, hosting rotating exhibitions in a palazzo setting close to other central sights.
Museum focused on extra-European art and ethnographic collections, especially known for African, Asian, and Oceanian works in Villa Malpensata.
Lugano’s signature lakeside park, loved for waterfront paths, mature trees, flowerbeds, and classic views over the lake and mountains.
The main square of Lugano, lined with pastel buildings and arcades, central to city life and a natural base for exploring the old town.
The lakeside promenade offers classic city-and-lake views, easy strolling, and some of the most recognizable scenes in Lugano.
A staple in Ticino made from slowly cooked cornmeal, often served creamy or sliced and grilled with cheese, mushrooms, or braised meats.
Creamy risotto prepared in the Lombard-Ticino style, often with local wine, butter, and cheese, reflecting the strong Italian influence of the region.
Slow-braised beef, commonly cooked with red wine, served with polenta. It is a classic hearty Ticinese comfort dish.
An established fine dining restaurant known for refined Italian cuisine, elegant presentation, and a polished atmosphere in central Lugano.
A classic hillside grotto outside the center, appreciated for traditional regional dishes, wine, and a charming old-fashioned ambiance.
A well-known traditional grotto serving Ticinese classics in a relaxed, rustic setting popular with locals and visitors.
Prices are high by European standards, especially for hotels and dining. Budget options exist, but everyday costs are still steep for most travelers.
Service is usually included in prices. Tipping is not required, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% for excellent service is appreciated. Round up taxi fares.
Official public transport app
Lugano Railway Station, Lugano -> Piazza della Riforma, Lugano
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Lausanne to Lugano by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Lugano, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Lausanne to Lugano trains use the Lausanne to Lugano, Stazione station pair. Use this guide to compare Lausanne and Lugano train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Lausanne has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Cafe du Grutli, Le Chalet Suisse
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Lausanne. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Lausanne. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Lausanne: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Lausanne: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Lausanne: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include Beau-Rivage Palace, Lausanne Palace, Hotel Continental.
Lausanne-Flon, pl. de l'Europe has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Lausanne-Flon, pl. de l'Europe.
Lugano, Stazione has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Lugano, Stazione.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need